How to Apply for DDA Services

The Intake and Eligibility Determination Unit (IEDU) is responsible for determining a person’s eligibility for people DDA services. People may walk-in or call 202-730-1700 to schedule an appointment.

DDS/DDA is located at 250 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am - 4:45pm.

The nearest metro station is Federal Center SW. Limited street parking and several parking garages are nearby.

Step 1: Person-Centered Questionnaire

During the visit, intake staff will guide guests through a person-centered questionnaire (PCQ), which is the first step in determining whether or not a person would benefit from DDA services. The tool is designed to identify a person’s:

Strengths and interests;

Goals and vision for life;

Employment objectives; and

Immediate- and long-term support needs.

Should the questionnaire indicate that a person could benefit from DDA services, intake staff will assist the person with completing the DDA application.

Step 2: The Application

The Intake Application is available at dds.dc.gov. People interested in receiving support services from DDS/DDA must complete the PCQ before completing an Intake Application. Intake Applications submitted without a PCQ will not be considered for support services. An Intake and Eligibility Coordinator will assist people with the eligibility determination process. Eligibility Requirements for DDS/DDA services are as follows:

Proof of District residency (i.e., a current lease, current utility bill, or a statement from Social Security with the address. Cell/telephone bills are not be acceptable proof of residency);

An intellectual disability indicated by an Intelligence Quotient (“IQ”) score of 69 or below and includes consideration of the standard error of measurement associated with the particular IQ test, diagnosed before the age of 18 years, including impairments in cognitive and adaptive functioning that continue into adulthood;

Concurrent deficits in at least two (2) areas of adaptive functioning.

The complete application package must include a:

Copy of the person’s birth certificate or government issued I.D., such as a drivers or non-drivers I.D., a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card etc.

Copy of proof of health insurance (D.C. Medicaid or private coverage), if applicable.

Documentation that verifies the diagnosis of an intellectual disability prior to the age of 18 occurred, this includes school records/transcripts, medical records, or social history, if available.

Psychological evaluation, based on one or more standardized test, that documents sub-average general intellectual functioning IQ score of 69 or below, formal assessment of adaptive behavior or other supporting documentation of adaptive behavior deficits or developmental delays manifested before the age of 18 years, indicating that impairments in cognitive adaptive functioning continue into adulthood;

Once a person has been found eligible for DDA services, the Service Planning and Coordination Division (SPCD) will pair the person with a Service Coordinator. Using a person-centered approach, the service coordinator will work with the person to create an Individual Service Plan (ISP). The ISP ensures that the person receives all identified supports and helps person maintain positive control over his or her life.

Person-Centered Thinking

Person-centered thinking is a philosophy behind service provision that supports positive control and self-direction of people’s own lives. DDS is working to implement this through training sessions and other agency wide initiatives.

Employment First Initiative

Under the Employment First philosophy, competitive, integrated employment is the first and overwhelmingly preferred option for working-age youth and adults with disabilities.